Social Media Star Fined $5,500 for Calling Officer a 'Traitor'
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A social media influencer, Maria Gideon, was ordered by the Small Claims Court in Naveh Galil to pay NIS 21,000 to a police officer after calling him a "traitor" in online videos. The posts were made following a NIS 1,000 traffic ticket issued in May 2025. The court found the statements to be defamation, particularly given Gideon's large online following. The ruling highlights the legal consequences for online harassment of public officials.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Social media influencer Maria Gideon must pay NIS 21,000 to a police officer for defamation.
- Gideon called the officer a "traitor" in videos after receiving a traffic ticket for phone use.
- The court ruled her online posts were humiliating and constituted defamation.
- Her large social media following was a key factor in the damage award.
- The ruling emphasizes that online insults against officers are not permissible.
A social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers has been ordered by the Small Claims Court in Naveh Galil to pay NIS 21,000 (approximately $5,500) in damages to a police officer. The influencer, Maria Gideon, had called the officer a "traitor" in videos posted online after receiving a NIS 1,000 traffic ticket for using her phone while driving.
Senior Registrar Suleiman Amer ruled that Gideon's publications contained humiliating statements that constituted defamation. The incident occurred in May 2025 when Officer Mohammed Hajajra issued the ticket to Gideon, who has about 100,000 Instagram followers and 230,000 on TikTok. Gideon filmed the officer during the encounter and subsequently posted videos attacking him with harsh words, including disparaging remarks about his choice to serve in the Israel Police.
The officer testified that the publications led to numerous distressing messages from acquaintances and family, as well as offensive comments and threats. He stated that the label "traitor" was particularly hurtful as an Arab citizen who wished to serve in law enforcement.
Gideon denied the claims, arguing the ticket was unjustified and that the officer had insulted her. However, the court dismissed her defense, finding no evidence of insults from the officer. Registrar Amer reviewed the videos, noting the use of the term "traitor" and other humiliating expressions, concluding they were clear defamation intended to incite hatred, contempt, and ridicule.
The court emphasized that disagreements over traffic tickets do not permit the humiliation of police officers on social media. The extent of Gideon's online reach was a key factor in determining the damages. One video alone garnered over 12,700 likes, 1,180 shares, and 1,011 saves, indicating significant exposure and harm. Registrar Amer compared the case to previous rulings with lower awards but found this instance more severe due to the nature of the statements, the wide dissemination, and the defendant's lack of apology.
Gideon was ordered to pay NIS 20,000 in damages and NIS 1,000 in legal costs. This ruling aligns with a trend of courts imposing damages on social media influencers for offensive publications.